Taking indefinite break after Fedora 30 release cycle / Flock 2019

Project Discussion
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Hi all, I wanted to share a personal announcement to set realistic expectations for the future. After the Fedora 30 release in May 2019, I intend to take an indefinite break from Fedora and reduce my responsibilities in the community.

Transitioning responsibilities

During the Fedora 30 release cycle, my primary goal is to complete all tickets assigned to me in fedora-commops (and hopefully not take on new ones).

My secondary goals are to…

  • Make this a smooth transition and not put too much work on any one person
  • Create documentation for things in my head over the last few years so others can take the torch and lead

Lastly, I still hope to attend the Flock 2019 conference and use that opportunity to collaborate in-person with team members and pass on any remaining responsibilities.

Why?

Since last Sunday, the timing is inconvenient but I want to explain a bit about why I’m stepping back.

I first popped up in the Fedora community around Fedora 21 or 22. I registered my Fedora account when I was 17 years old. I’ve actively contributed to Fedora for the last three years. The Fedora Project has given me many opportunities to develop my own interpersonal skills in FOSS communities and allow me to make an impact in this community. Most importantly, I’ve met incredible people who have mentored me, guided me, and in turn given me the opportunity to pay it forward to others. Even though Fedora has its bumps and hiccups at times (like any project), as I became older I realized how incredible our community is. Even when we make mistakes, we endeavor to learn from them and improve. The Friends part of our Four Foundations isn’t taken for granted.

But at the same time, I made the decision to contribute to Fedora when I was 18. I’ve learned many lessons and learned more about myself too. In open source communities, people come and go – it is the nature of these things. Now, I believe I am ready to move on and do new things. I will miss the Fedora community, and I really mean it when I say that.

I mostly wanted to affirm my reason is not related to the IBM + Red Hat news and this is something I’ve already considered for a couple of months.

Thank you everyone who has played a part in my Fedora journey. I’m looking forward to making this next release cycle an awesome one. :tada:

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Thanks for all your great contributions, @jwf! It’s been a pleasure working with you in this community and others. I hope we cross paths again in the future.

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Hi @jwf,

First of all, wow I don’t have idea than you are so young, Actually you are one of the most organized and wise people than I ever meet.

I really wish you the best and thanks for your contributions :slight_smile:

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Hi!

I’m a fairly new member (a couple of months), but I immediately saw how actively you were engaged in the community. Fedora needs more people like you, young energetic and responsible. I definitely share the same opinion that Fedora is one heck of a special project and the community is so open, helpful and fostering. In my book there’s no better place to be than Fedora when one is interested in free software and open source collaboration.

Thank you for the efforts!
I hope it will not be too long before you’ll return again.

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A huge thank you for all your contributions, @jwf! You’ve been an inspiration to many and I’m sure I would have struggled to fit in if it wasn’t for your encouragement and support when I got started with Fedora contributions. I’m a bit sad to see you go but I completely understand your decision.

Wishing you all the best for your future endeavours!

P.S: Could we borrow a couple of your minions? :stuck_out_tongue:

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Thanks Justin for your contributions over the years! The Fedora community will be here if you ever want to re-assume your active role :slight_smile:

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